Map Near Meramec Vineyards

Directions to Meramec Vineyards

Winery Journal

I thought this was a very nice winery. Enjoyed visiting with the owner about other wineries (specifically in Kansas). Also enjoyed hearing the stories about their wines, specifically Tony's Blend. Had beautiful flower bed lined with wine bottles, and also a mosaic in the front of the building made from wine bottles.

We liked the Chambourcin. We liked the Bistro Red better which is a Chambourcin / Syrah blend. The 2006 Norton was also good. On the white side I liked their clean crisp Vignoles best. We tried their dry Stark Star and their Semi-Sweet of this variety as well. The Stark’s Star grape is a cross of the Norton and Catawba. It wasn’t bad but the Catawba stood out more to me than the Norton. Again these weren’t bad per se. But I think I would just want the two flavors on their own rather than in combination

Norton Wine Review: What a difference two years can make in a vineyard visitation. Let me admit that we were far from pleased with the offerings of Meramec Vineyards two years ago being served thimble sized tastings in paper sippy cups. We walked out because of the young teenage-like hostesss’ attitude and being unable to properly taste the wines in the tiny cups. Two years later we were greeted by a knowledgeable host who had a handle on what she was doing and what she was serving. Meramec Vineyards offer several interesting wines, but they freely admit that they only grow Norton, Seyval, Vignoles, Concord, Catawba, and unique to them, the Stark Star grape. Nice Seyval white wines, a flat Chambourcin wine and an interesting contrast tasting of not only their award winning ‘05 Norton and ’06 Norton, but also a tasting difference in INAO-like glasses and the new Riedel Norton wine stemware. Wow, the Riedel Norton goblet made for a change in Norton wine aromas and tastes. Though the 05 Meramec Norton was the award winner, I preferred the complex taste and tannin structure of the 06 Norton for a possible bottle opening in a couple years. Meramec got us with some unanticipated purchases with the use of this stemware. Marketing, isn’t it a strange science? I will note that out of the first 16 vineyards encountered on this trip, only Meramec had a tip jar prominently placed on the counter. Though sometimes found in Eastern vineyards, we’ve seldom encountered such in the mid-west. Hope this is not a trend to be endured in the near future. Over the years we have found special hosts pouring out winery samples that we have tipped with either money, a special bottle of wine we brought along, or even wine books, but we find it a bit crass to display such on serving counters unless the host is performing other duties at the same time; as, serving food or preparing picnic wine ice buckets.

Hmmmm... not sure what to say. I went back here wanting a snack, wine, and outdoor seating, and ended up with two bottles of the 05 Norton that were really great. Good host, the winemaker herself who can tell you about the grapes, the vintages, the crush, the fermentation process. I don't suspect they get too much traffic, since I showed up at 4:30 and the girl behind the counter told me they were closed. The 05 is really nice, especially in a Norton glass.

Their Nortons didn't taste like Nortons, but the 2004 Norton reminded me of a Salice Salentino--floral nose, faint hint of oak. They make a lot of sweet junk that I won't touch, and a Chambourcin that is a little too heavy on the ripe berry--I think it's aged in steel? The tasting bar was hosted by a young kid who probably doesn't "drink wine" and was therefore unable to tell us much about the three dry reds we tasted. They have a cute little restaurant and an outdoor patio that likely sees a lot of traffic during the growing season. If you're not a big fan of Norton, try Meramec's. The 04 is interesting.